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A fascinating tableau in the Jain Museum
summit higher than this. That is why this 'Shikhar' (summit) is the summit not only that of Lord Parshwanath but that of entire Jainism. Its height is so much that sometimes the entire temple becomes covered clouds. Therefore, it is called Meghadambar Toonk (temple covered by clouds). The summit of the temple is visible even from a distance of 30 kms. Here the dusky-green holy foot prints of Lord Parshwanath have been installed. This Toonk is at a height of 4479 feet from the sea level. This is the last Toonk of Sammet Shikhar.
The foot of the Sammet Shikhar mountain is called Madhuvan. All around it there are large clusters of trees sprinkling 'madhu' (honey). That is why it is called Madhuvan (Honey-forest). There are several other spots worth viewing:
SHWETAMBAR KOTHI and TEMPLE - Just on entering the Kothi (bungalow) we find the temple of Shree Bhomiaji Maharaj, the protector-deity of this pilgrimage. The temple is amply attractive. Inside the Kothi itself there is the huge Jina temple in the form of a cluster of eleven temples. This may also be the Talhati Mandir (Foot-hill temple). A 90 cm. idol of Lord Shamalia Parshwanath is installed here as the principal deity. At the rear of the dharmshala' stands the Dadawadi which is worth viewing.
DIGAMBAR JAIN TERAH PANTH KOTHI - In the middle of it is the majestic temple of Lord Shree Chandraprabhu. Samvasaran temple has been built on the left side of the third door of this temple.
TWENTY-FOUR 'TOONKS' - On entering here first of all we come across the magnificent 25 feet high idol of Bahubali. Twenty-four Toonks of twenty-four Tirthankars have been built here. Samvasaran temple is built in this very temple-campus.
KACHCHHI BHAWAN - Fifty-two Jinalayas have been built here. This temple houses the idols of many Jain Tirthankars. The spire of the temple is very beautiful.
JAIN MUSEUM - Among the spots worth viewing in the Shikharji pilgrimage, this is the most important. The Museum has been built by Shree Jityasha Foundation, Calcutta under the inspiration of Ganivar Shree Mahimaprabh Sagar Ji Maharaj. On the first floor of the museum various things concerning Jainism have been collected. Just in front of the sprawling hall the most majestic 6 feet high idol of Lord Parshwanath in the meditational posture is auspiciously seated. All around on the walls there is an exhibition of pictures depicting Jain architecture. In the whole of India, this is the only museum which contains a collection of all the postage stamps issued on Jainism.
On the first floor itself there is a collection of ancient art-pieces made of ivory and sandal-wood. On the second floor of the museum, 50 scenes depicting special sequence of events of Jainism have been shown. The depictions are so lively that you will be enchanted.
Besides these, Dharmmangal Vidyapeeth, Bhomia Bhawan, Madhyalok etc. are also worth viewing.
SAMAVASARAN TEMPLE : The latest presentation of the past
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JAIN MUSEUM : Centre of art
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